My mom called me out of the blue this afternoon. Not to chat or check in with me. Apparently my brother is “in financial disaster” and she wanted to know if I could pay her back any of the money I owe her.

Really? I had just gotten off the phone with my brother and he hadn’t said a thing about financial disaster. In fact, he said he was starting college on August 18.

“Yes. Isn’t that wonderful? So, can you pay back any of the money you owe me? What about your tax rebate?”

Well, you see, I’ve had these unexpected house repair bills, veterinary bills and gas prices, food prices and other things that have broken. I could give you about 1/3 of what is owed.

Not enough. She’ll have to go borrow from the bank.

“How are you doing?” she asks.

“Oh, I’ve been just exhausted lately.”

“Did you get the bathtub? Is it installed yet?” (no followup on the fatigue)

“Well, yes. It’s down in the garage but the project will have to wait until next year. Assuming that I don’t get laid off before then.”

“Oh dear. Well, I can’t deal with that so you’ll have to forgive me but I’m not going to ask about it. I spent all day with Grandma yesterday and now this with Brother. I have a headache and chestpains from all of that. I have to go.”

Ok, Mom. I’ll get right on that forgiveness thing. I know how important it is for you to not feel guilty about anything.

Intellectually, I know that expecting anything else from her would be like expecting her to change the color of her eyes.

Still.

And you wonder why I have this blog?

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— — —
A year ago (or longer) on This Journey…

Grad party complete 2009
to vacation on one’s own 2007
National Night Out – for a soaking! 2006
Oh, it must suck to be you sometimes! 2006
shhh! It’s a secret! 2006
Energy Crisis 2006

August 1st, 2008 | Category: family | Subscribe to comments | Leave a comment | Trackback URL